Firmware Version 1.4.1

1. Changes the maximum number of "Release cycles" displayed from 1,000,000 cycles to 9,999,000 cycles. This value can be checked under the "Camera system information" menu.
2. Fixes a phenomenon in which a synchronization failure may occur during multiple flash shooting.
3. Fixes a phenomenon in which Error 80 occurs depending on the shutter release timing.

Probably clearing their stock before they announce a 1D C mk2, or maaaaybe more likely a 5Dmk4 with 4K???

favorite video camera

New Firmware for the EOS-1D C

A versatile, self-contained 4K cinema camera as well as a robust still photography camera, the Canon EOS-1D C will also benefit from a new service update that further enhances the performance of this unique imaging device.

• EF Lens Communication – The new service update for the EOS-1D C Digital SLR Cinema camera will enable Canon EF-mount Cinema lenses to store lens metadata in the video recorded by the camera. Furthermore, Canon EF-mount Cinema lenses will be supported by Peripheral Illumination and Chromatic Aberration Correction functions, helping to improve overall image quality*.

• Audio Recording – In response to user requests, audio on the EOS-1D C camera has also been enhanced. Currently audio recording is limited to a MIC input, but the forthcoming service update will permit selection of LINE or MIC input, allowing use of a wider variety of external audio sources.

New Firmware Release Schedules and Installation Procedures

The update for the Canon EOS-1D C Digital SLR Cinema camera is scheduled to be available November 2013, and will be installed at no charge as a service upgrade that requires the camera to be sent to an authorized Canon Factory Service Center. For more information please visit: http://www.usa.canon.com/CinemaEOSFirmwareUpdate

New Firmware Version 1.3.x:

Lens aberration correction with EF Cinema Lenses: Communication between Canon EF Cinema lenses and Canon cameras has had a few effects on the operation of the EOS-1D C. The following features are now available as menu options:

• Peripheral Illumination Correction: This feature maintains even brightness from corner to corner of an image. This will virtually eliminate vignetting and any other unevenness of light across the image.
• Chromatic Aberration Correction: This feature reduces color fringing in areas of an image with high contrast color. It reduces color bleeding, which is easily noticeable at edges and degrades perceived image quality.
• In addition, communication between the lens and camera body will allow the F-stop to now be seen on the viewfinder. Focus position and F-stop will also now be recorded by the camera.
• Flicker caused by manual aperture adjustment has been reduced with this update, this could cause slight underexposure which may result in exposure compensation in some cases.

Sound recording with Line input:

• After requests from users in the field, audio recording through a mini plug (3.5mm) connected to the external microphone terminal is now supported. This will allow for the recording of audio sources other than microphones, such as mobile devices or audio players. The standard input level is -8 dBV and can reach an input signal of up to +6 dBV. Sound recording levels are adjustable at 64 sound-recording levels.

Service support start date is anticipated mid-October 2013. For information regarding the EOS-1D C firmware update (which must be performed by a Canon Factory Service center) please contact Canon Cinema EOS Support at 1-855-CINE-EOS (246-3367).

Test Canon EOS-1D C

http://www.focus-numerique.com/test-1681/camescope-canon-1d-c-caracteristique-1.html

I used this intensively last week, I'll do a longer write up soon, but bottom line I'm having the same syndrome as a lot of guys seem to with this beast...yes, it's overpriced and under-specced on paper, but damn does it feel good to shoot on. There is still something about the feel of a Canon DSLR and the way the lenses work that is just amazing, but they've always been so soft...now you just get great footage. I've been a skeptic, but I definitely enjoy watching the 4k files more than 1080p, so I guess this is the direction we're heading.

Workflow was surprisingly easy, converted to 4k ProRes in FCPX and cut with no hangups on a Retina 15. Ate some storage, though. Was able to keep shooting with 3 128gb cards and little station setup to rotate them out.

Stills come out surprisingly good and and more flexible than expected not being RAW. I was using it to get both mediums at once and I (and the client) are thrilled with both. Some shutter speed compromises did not seem to matter.

Cannot conceive of myself buying in it any scenario, even with the lease, as when I think about the probabilities of it or my interest in it being relevant in 48 months I balk. There is no cost effective return on what I could offer my clients with it, and even for my cinema efforts twelve grand would go a lot farther towards the final scene and wrap up of my first feature than it would into a camera.

And yet, I wish it were in my bag right now.